Meet Joan (Joanie) Aubele

We were lucky to catch up with Joan (Joanie) Aubele recently and have shared our conversation below.

Joan (Joanie), we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
“The sole purpose of our existence is to live for one another. Be kind, be patient, be fully present!”

Since I faced death at a young age, I was given a unique vision. I was quickly brought to the reality of what’s most important in life. Spending time with loved ones, sharing smiles, and hugging friends. Most people agree with this, but it’s after living a long life. I’ve, therefore, made it my life’s mission to help as many souls as humanly possible to remind them of these practices throughout their entire earthly journey.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Four months after giving birth to my third child, at the age of twenty-nine, I was given a death sentence by the oncology team at Mercy Center, Aurora, Illinois. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (a cancer typically found in children). They confided with my husband that they decided to delay chemotherapy, assuming that I wouldn’t live through the end of the week, so why put me through the dreadful treatments?

Upon admission, I was 100% septic, had only 40% of the required blood supply to sustain life, and had advanced to stage IV in my cancer.

At one point, I was told to make funeral arrangements and say goodbye to family and friends. “We’re nuts, we’re just giving up!” Cried my husband. So instead, we prayed!

I’ve always relied on my religious beliefs but become the unsuspecting recipient of what can only be described as miracles.

A little more about me… I am married to my high school sweetheart, Carl. Even though it’s been over forty years since we said, “I do,” we’ve never gotten out of the honeymoon stage. We’ve raised three daughters, and to date, have six grandchildren. I was born and raised in Chicago. After sixty-one years of residing in the Midwest, my husband and I decided to pull our long-standing roots and move to the quant sailing community of Oriental, North Carolina.

By the grace of God, I’ve overcome numerous challenges throughout my journey. I needed to re-teach my brain to walk, talk, speak, and even bathe myself due to a multitude of strokes stemming from the Leukemia. Although I can once again type – very gingerly I might add, I jokingly refer to myself as the Hellen Keller of authors.

However, my actual eyesight remains intact, I compare the challenges that I’ve had to overcome despite my current neurological disability to that of Ms. Keller.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I was groomed for this. I excelled in English, writing, spelling, and communicating, so believe I was destined to become an author and inspirational speaker. Ever since childhood, I also had a deep connection with the Lord. I believe the strong faith I had developed, prepared me for what was to come.

The best advice I can give to anyone going through turmoil of any kind is to never give up! Doctors do not have a crystal ball; they are simply going by statistics; God is truly in control. Know that you’re never alone and that He’s carrying you when necessary.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I want to acknowledge my wonderful husband, Carl. If not for his deep and unwavering love and support throughout my life’s madness, which I love, I would not be able to flourish thus far.

I also wish to credit my mom for providing me with the desire to obtain a close relationship with Our Lord. In addition, she taught me to be a compassionate, empathetic, and strong woman – to stand up for myself and others who aren’t able to defend themselves.

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